Sunday, July 30, 2006
Friday, July 28, 2006
a very "Hershey" blessing (day 1)
Divine appointments are so wonderful...so puzzling...and so GOD!
Yesterday, I had the great privlege of heading to an amusement park avec mi famile.
Little did we know what the Lord had in store for us in good ol' Hershey, Pennsylvania, a good 13+ hours away from home sweet home....but God is Soverign, and He always has greater things than we could ever imagine in store for us.
It all started with a thunderstorm...we'd just decided to change into bathingsuits, so we could get soaking wet on the waterpark rides...just as we'd gotten in line, it started to pour, and people scattered everywhere...a rather humurous thing when you consider "these people are all standing here, in their bathing suits, riding wet rides and they run for cover when it rains." Several comedic men voiced their opinions on this matter. As the storm blew over, we were greeted in line by a very friendly family of 5 also, getting anxious to ride.
Jessica noticed the father of the family was wearing a very "cool" WWJD necklace, and he said thank you and starting talking a bit..instantly when I looked at his wife and him, I felt this connection. Isn't God good? We waited in line for a while and had a great discussion about life and I just felt very blessed. The couple leads a group of college aged young adults in Pennsylvania. Instantly, we felt as though we'd seen each other before, somewhere. Isn't it neat how there's always an instant connection between Christians, where communication is free to flow. As we got ready to leave, they told their youngest daughter Haley to "say goodbye to christy" and she did...it was adorable. So we said our goodbyes, went on our merry way and didn't expect to run into them again that day. I walked away feeling blessed, but also sort of restless because I hadn't caught their names.
Two rides later, we ended up on a water roller coaster...and they shut the ride down because of a storm, many people left, which cut out 40+ minute wait, down to about 5...we ended up near the front of the line..and guess who was their, the family! We were all very excited to see each other again...it thundered & lightening & poured, and roughly 1 1/2 hours later, we were getting ready to ride the rides. What an amazing time of fellowship and conversation we had. God is SO good.
Since we had a family of 5 and they did also, Steve and Vicky needed someone to ride with one of their little ones. Haley decided she'd like to ride with me, so I got to ride with my knock-knock-joke telling, 5 yr. old new friend. We had a blast...and yes, we got soaked. It blessed my heart to watch a family intrust me with their little girl, at an amusement park, after only having talked for a few short hours, but like I said God is amazing in the fact that He allows us the opportunity to connect with fellow Christians, instantly....like old friends...regardless of whether or not we've ever met.
I'm excited about the friendship that was created on our first official day of vacation...and look forward to the many more blesse opportunities to come.
I was blessed by this verse several times, during my adventures @ Hershey, day 1:
" 3You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! 4 Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock." -Isaiah 26:3-4
I am so transfixed with the magnitude of the Father's, love and greatness, and power. There's no one like Him. He ever changes. I have to TRUST. The things in store for my life, are impossible without trust. I can't do it...no matter how hard I try, but if I climb up into the hands of my Heavenly Father and let Him guide, work and move through me and in me...WOW. I remember sitting on my bed the other day just saying over and over again "Lord, I trust you! I trust you! I TRUST You! I TRUST YOU!!!!!!" until eventually I was screaming it, and then a peace came. What is a day without trusting in the Lord for everything? I'm absolutely convinced it's horribly miserable. As we trust, He will bless. He hears the voice of His children, and we hear His. "My sheep hear my voice...."
To anyone who read this day's blessing in it's entirety, thank you much and I pray you'll be blessed as you grow in your trust with the Lord.
Yesterday, I had the great privlege of heading to an amusement park avec mi famile.
Little did we know what the Lord had in store for us in good ol' Hershey, Pennsylvania, a good 13+ hours away from home sweet home....but God is Soverign, and He always has greater things than we could ever imagine in store for us.
It all started with a thunderstorm...we'd just decided to change into bathingsuits, so we could get soaking wet on the waterpark rides...just as we'd gotten in line, it started to pour, and people scattered everywhere...a rather humurous thing when you consider "these people are all standing here, in their bathing suits, riding wet rides and they run for cover when it rains." Several comedic men voiced their opinions on this matter. As the storm blew over, we were greeted in line by a very friendly family of 5 also, getting anxious to ride.
Jessica noticed the father of the family was wearing a very "cool" WWJD necklace, and he said thank you and starting talking a bit..instantly when I looked at his wife and him, I felt this connection. Isn't God good? We waited in line for a while and had a great discussion about life and I just felt very blessed. The couple leads a group of college aged young adults in Pennsylvania. Instantly, we felt as though we'd seen each other before, somewhere. Isn't it neat how there's always an instant connection between Christians, where communication is free to flow. As we got ready to leave, they told their youngest daughter Haley to "say goodbye to christy" and she did...it was adorable. So we said our goodbyes, went on our merry way and didn't expect to run into them again that day. I walked away feeling blessed, but also sort of restless because I hadn't caught their names.
Two rides later, we ended up on a water roller coaster...and they shut the ride down because of a storm, many people left, which cut out 40+ minute wait, down to about 5...we ended up near the front of the line..and guess who was their, the family! We were all very excited to see each other again...it thundered & lightening & poured, and roughly 1 1/2 hours later, we were getting ready to ride the rides. What an amazing time of fellowship and conversation we had. God is SO good.
Since we had a family of 5 and they did also, Steve and Vicky needed someone to ride with one of their little ones. Haley decided she'd like to ride with me, so I got to ride with my knock-knock-joke telling, 5 yr. old new friend. We had a blast...and yes, we got soaked. It blessed my heart to watch a family intrust me with their little girl, at an amusement park, after only having talked for a few short hours, but like I said God is amazing in the fact that He allows us the opportunity to connect with fellow Christians, instantly....like old friends...regardless of whether or not we've ever met.
I'm excited about the friendship that was created on our first official day of vacation...and look forward to the many more blesse opportunities to come.
I was blessed by this verse several times, during my adventures @ Hershey, day 1:
" 3You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! 4 Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock." -Isaiah 26:3-4
I am so transfixed with the magnitude of the Father's, love and greatness, and power. There's no one like Him. He ever changes. I have to TRUST. The things in store for my life, are impossible without trust. I can't do it...no matter how hard I try, but if I climb up into the hands of my Heavenly Father and let Him guide, work and move through me and in me...WOW. I remember sitting on my bed the other day just saying over and over again "Lord, I trust you! I trust you! I TRUST You! I TRUST YOU!!!!!!" until eventually I was screaming it, and then a peace came. What is a day without trusting in the Lord for everything? I'm absolutely convinced it's horribly miserable. As we trust, He will bless. He hears the voice of His children, and we hear His. "My sheep hear my voice...."
To anyone who read this day's blessing in it's entirety, thank you much and I pray you'll be blessed as you grow in your trust with the Lord.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Monday, July 24, 2006
oh, the blood of Jesus
"Oh, the blood of Jesus
Oh, the blood of Jesus
Oh, the blood of Jesus, that washes white as snow!"
His love is steadfast & unfailing. His greatness and power are immeasurable. He is the Soverign I am and His name is Holy. Oh the blood of Jesus, that has washed away my sinful stains. I live to glorify His name. I am here by His grace. My feet are stepping down His strangely perfect path. My heart is longing to learn more of Him, to grasp even a taste of His nature. He does NOT change. He is always the same. Heb 13:8 "Yesterday, today and forever", He is the same! He is "my place of refuge, all I really want in life".
"20 Now may the God of peace-- who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood--21 may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. all glory to him forever and ever! Amen." Heb. 13:20-21
Oh, the blood of Jesus
Oh, the blood of Jesus, that washes white as snow!"
His love is steadfast & unfailing. His greatness and power are immeasurable. He is the Soverign I am and His name is Holy. Oh the blood of Jesus, that has washed away my sinful stains. I live to glorify His name. I am here by His grace. My feet are stepping down His strangely perfect path. My heart is longing to learn more of Him, to grasp even a taste of His nature. He does NOT change. He is always the same. Heb 13:8 "Yesterday, today and forever", He is the same! He is "my place of refuge, all I really want in life".
"20 Now may the God of peace-- who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood--21 may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. all glory to him forever and ever! Amen." Heb. 13:20-21
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Canoeing Aventures
This afternoon I decided to get a little adventurous (Chris would be proud), and take my first canoe ride ever. I was at Little Madawaska Lake at Cale's parents camp and Taylor, Tyler and Nick decided they wanted to chase Issac across the lake...in canoes. I was asked to come along and since it seemed somewhat adventurous, I agreed.
I love how the Lord puts us in places and allows divine appointments, conversations and opportunities to praise His name, testify of His love, mercy & grace and just fellowship with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Taylor and I set out on our canoe, racing Nick and Tyler, which we soon found rather useless (they were WAY faster & my paddle broke), so we just settled into a leisurely pace and started to talk about Biblical femininity/masculinity, life, and God's moving over the past span of time.
Riding in the front of the canoe, keeping conversation was an enjoyable thing, but not my focus. In front of me was a huge lake, endless, so it seemed, of wavy waters, and then it started to rain......I was so overjoyed with the Lord's goodness raining down on me I hardly knew what to do. There I was in the middle of a lake, in a canoe, with no life vest, no desire to swim, and a gigantic wooden paddle in my hands pushing my way through the water. God is so good. The very thought of getting soaked without flipping the canoe, made me chuckle. Taylor and I decided to pass our time praising the Lord, so we sang.
Paddling through a lake, in a canoe, getting soaked by the rain and singing. WOW!
The guys decided to steer into a strange swampy, branchy looking area and my thoughts of this adventure started getting sketchy. We came to a little dam in the lake and the current picked up a bit and trickled into a river that went somewhere around a bend we couldn't see, surrounded by trees. Now had I been with girls we would've been content to turn around at the swamy looking thing, enjoy the view and rain and paddle back to the camp. Then it hit me, I was way out numbered 4-1.....so we loaded the canoes into the quickened water from the dam and headed down the stream. We paddled for a long, long time, but it was beautiful. We ended up in a beaver pond, got stuck a few times and ran into a few trees on the bank. I realized that God is always calling us to places that require us to step aside, humble ourselves and give Him control, take His hand and just Go. I have to trust the Lord with everything...my future husband, career, family and even little things like money and canoe rides down strange hidden rivers.
On the journey back, I had a very encouraging talk with my canoe-buddy and just enjoyed being blessed by the Lord's promises. God is good, and sometimes He gives us courage to step into a canoe, get soaked by rain and adventure down a stream of uncertain ends. We never know what's around the bend when God is in control, and that's okay...because the less we know about what is to come, the greater the surprise, the more breathtaking the scene, the more meaningful and lifechanging the adventure.
I just love overflowing joy!!!! Laugh friends and next time it rains, head outside and be blessed!
" Let it rain, let it rain, open the floodgates of Heaven..."
"But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. " -Jeremiah 17:7-8
I love how the Lord puts us in places and allows divine appointments, conversations and opportunities to praise His name, testify of His love, mercy & grace and just fellowship with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Taylor and I set out on our canoe, racing Nick and Tyler, which we soon found rather useless (they were WAY faster & my paddle broke), so we just settled into a leisurely pace and started to talk about Biblical femininity/masculinity, life, and God's moving over the past span of time.
Riding in the front of the canoe, keeping conversation was an enjoyable thing, but not my focus. In front of me was a huge lake, endless, so it seemed, of wavy waters, and then it started to rain......I was so overjoyed with the Lord's goodness raining down on me I hardly knew what to do. There I was in the middle of a lake, in a canoe, with no life vest, no desire to swim, and a gigantic wooden paddle in my hands pushing my way through the water. God is so good. The very thought of getting soaked without flipping the canoe, made me chuckle. Taylor and I decided to pass our time praising the Lord, so we sang.
Paddling through a lake, in a canoe, getting soaked by the rain and singing. WOW!
The guys decided to steer into a strange swampy, branchy looking area and my thoughts of this adventure started getting sketchy. We came to a little dam in the lake and the current picked up a bit and trickled into a river that went somewhere around a bend we couldn't see, surrounded by trees. Now had I been with girls we would've been content to turn around at the swamy looking thing, enjoy the view and rain and paddle back to the camp. Then it hit me, I was way out numbered 4-1.....so we loaded the canoes into the quickened water from the dam and headed down the stream. We paddled for a long, long time, but it was beautiful. We ended up in a beaver pond, got stuck a few times and ran into a few trees on the bank. I realized that God is always calling us to places that require us to step aside, humble ourselves and give Him control, take His hand and just Go. I have to trust the Lord with everything...my future husband, career, family and even little things like money and canoe rides down strange hidden rivers.
On the journey back, I had a very encouraging talk with my canoe-buddy and just enjoyed being blessed by the Lord's promises. God is good, and sometimes He gives us courage to step into a canoe, get soaked by rain and adventure down a stream of uncertain ends. We never know what's around the bend when God is in control, and that's okay...because the less we know about what is to come, the greater the surprise, the more breathtaking the scene, the more meaningful and lifechanging the adventure.
I just love overflowing joy!!!! Laugh friends and next time it rains, head outside and be blessed!
" Let it rain, let it rain, open the floodgates of Heaven..."
"But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. " -Jeremiah 17:7-8
Thursday, July 20, 2006
cookie poem
I read this in the book Fe'minine Appeal and enjoyed the great example this poses about how we often judge people without probable cause...we just assume. I dislike it very much when I do that, I feel pretty crummy. I can certainly say I'm thankful for forgiveness.
"A woman was waiting at an airport one night,
With several long hours before her flight.
She hunted for a book in the airport shop,
Bought a bag of cookies and found a place to drop.
She was engrossed in her book, but happened to see,
That man sitting beside her, as bold as could be,
Grabbed a cookie or two from the bag between,
Which she tried to ignore, to avoid a scene.
She read munched cookies, and watched the clock,
As the gutsy "cookie thief" diminished her stock.
Thinking, If I wasn't so nice, I would blacken his eye!
When only on was left, she wondered what he'd do.
With a smile on his face and a nervous laugh,
He took the last cookie and broke it in half.
He offered her half, as he ate the other.
She snatched it from him and thought,
Oh brother,This guy has some nerve and he's also rude.
Why, he didn't even show any gratitude!
She had never known when she had been so galled,
And sighed with relief when her flight was called.
She gathered her belongings and headed to the gate,
Refusing to look back at the "thieving ingrate.
"She boarded the plane and sank in her seat,
Then sought her book, which was almost complete.
As she reached in her baggage, she gasped with surprise:
There were her cookies in front of her eyes.
If mine are here, she moaned with despair,
Then the others were his and he tried to share!
Too late to apologize, she realized with grief,
That she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief."
"A woman was waiting at an airport one night,
With several long hours before her flight.
She hunted for a book in the airport shop,
Bought a bag of cookies and found a place to drop.
She was engrossed in her book, but happened to see,
That man sitting beside her, as bold as could be,
Grabbed a cookie or two from the bag between,
Which she tried to ignore, to avoid a scene.
She read munched cookies, and watched the clock,
As the gutsy "cookie thief" diminished her stock.
Thinking, If I wasn't so nice, I would blacken his eye!
When only on was left, she wondered what he'd do.
With a smile on his face and a nervous laugh,
He took the last cookie and broke it in half.
He offered her half, as he ate the other.
She snatched it from him and thought,
Oh brother,This guy has some nerve and he's also rude.
Why, he didn't even show any gratitude!
She had never known when she had been so galled,
And sighed with relief when her flight was called.
She gathered her belongings and headed to the gate,
Refusing to look back at the "thieving ingrate.
"She boarded the plane and sank in her seat,
Then sought her book, which was almost complete.
As she reached in her baggage, she gasped with surprise:
There were her cookies in front of her eyes.
If mine are here, she moaned with despair,
Then the others were his and he tried to share!
Too late to apologize, she realized with grief,
That she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief."
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
bologna & cheese
(just thought I'd allow the title to be as random as this post...I intended to type the first random thought to pop in my head but that was tuna & pickles, so I went with the 2nd thought. This time of year gets to unnecessarily busy.)
1. 4 more work days until vacation with my dear family
2. yeeh for vacation!!
3. 1 night's rest until I see my heart doctor for a final eval.
4. I've been blessed for the chance to walk beside a woman of Christ and to be poured into by the grace of God with words of encouragement, to be taught, challenged and befriended. God knew what He was doing when He allowed the opportunity for Chris and I to pursue pre-engagement counseling with Luke & Kristin. It has been such a joy to meet with Kristin this summer. Thank you Lord for Your willingness to speak to me through the hearts of others.
5. Two dear sisters in Christ are back from summer missions trips serving Christ and have blessed me with snippet stories of their adventures with our awesome Jesus.
6. 8 days until my dear auntie debbie and counsin kyrstin head to Guatemala
7. My room is being moved...for the first time in my life I have to part with things. Of course they are just " things ". May the Lord open opportunties to give away and use these things that have taken port in cardboard boxes at the back of my closet for years and may adventures and memories come to life as the unknown of my childhood days is unlocked and explored. Hooray for moving. Hooray for change.
8. I have no wisdom teeth anymore, I'm thinkin' that's pretty awesome!
9. Ever see someone you know really well at a place you have never seen them before and wonder if it's really them? Hooray for funny moments of uncertainty!
10. I have a bruise on my funny bone. OUCHers! No hooray for softball insta-bruises.
11. I will prioritize, plan and organize. I will I will!
1. 4 more work days until vacation with my dear family
2. yeeh for vacation!!
3. 1 night's rest until I see my heart doctor for a final eval.
4. I've been blessed for the chance to walk beside a woman of Christ and to be poured into by the grace of God with words of encouragement, to be taught, challenged and befriended. God knew what He was doing when He allowed the opportunity for Chris and I to pursue pre-engagement counseling with Luke & Kristin. It has been such a joy to meet with Kristin this summer. Thank you Lord for Your willingness to speak to me through the hearts of others.
5. Two dear sisters in Christ are back from summer missions trips serving Christ and have blessed me with snippet stories of their adventures with our awesome Jesus.
6. 8 days until my dear auntie debbie and counsin kyrstin head to Guatemala
7. My room is being moved...for the first time in my life I have to part with things. Of course they are just " things ". May the Lord open opportunties to give away and use these things that have taken port in cardboard boxes at the back of my closet for years and may adventures and memories come to life as the unknown of my childhood days is unlocked and explored. Hooray for moving. Hooray for change.
8. I have no wisdom teeth anymore, I'm thinkin' that's pretty awesome!
9. Ever see someone you know really well at a place you have never seen them before and wonder if it's really them? Hooray for funny moments of uncertainty!
10. I have a bruise on my funny bone. OUCHers! No hooray for softball insta-bruises.
11. I will prioritize, plan and organize. I will I will!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
humph...
"What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don't they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can't get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong --- you want only what will give you pleasure." James 4:1-4
What a great reminder of how we must daily turn to the cross and seek after the Lord in all we do...to realize that by His grace we can be provided for, healed, blessed and taught, and that when our sinful nature steps in and that rabinous desire to control* steps in, that we're in, as little michelle on Full House says, "big trouble mister"...in creeps the little sin bubbles and then before we know it, there's a huge explosion and we find ourselves upset and wondering why we don't get what we ask for from the Lord. We are not being faithful to His commands. We are not trusting Him with everything. We're saying "Okay God, I ask this of you....but oOOoooh I want what suzi-q has so much more..."and we become anxious and bitter and before we know it the good is gone. We'll do anything for that desire, even if it wrongs a dear brother or sister. We're trying to do things with Christ as our aid instead of our ONLY Hope.
Lord, help me, for I am a weak sinner, guilty of wanting to cling to control sometimes for my security. Cleanse my eyes to see the work You have done and have yet to do in my life as special and a blessing. I come to you with a humble spirit and a heartfelt plea of "please fix me..." May the desires of my heart beat with your commands and my mind be filled with visions and images of Your will and plans for me...Here am I...use me Lord, send me. Stretch me beyond all logical reasoning. Demolish my comfort zone and take captive each of my thoughts. May my mind be like Christ's. Teach me to exhibit kindness and goodness. My spirit is willing but my flesh is weak...You are good Lord!
What a great reminder of how we must daily turn to the cross and seek after the Lord in all we do...to realize that by His grace we can be provided for, healed, blessed and taught, and that when our sinful nature steps in and that rabinous desire to control* steps in, that we're in, as little michelle on Full House says, "big trouble mister"...in creeps the little sin bubbles and then before we know it, there's a huge explosion and we find ourselves upset and wondering why we don't get what we ask for from the Lord. We are not being faithful to His commands. We are not trusting Him with everything. We're saying "Okay God, I ask this of you....but oOOoooh I want what suzi-q has so much more..."and we become anxious and bitter and before we know it the good is gone. We'll do anything for that desire, even if it wrongs a dear brother or sister. We're trying to do things with Christ as our aid instead of our ONLY Hope.
Lord, help me, for I am a weak sinner, guilty of wanting to cling to control sometimes for my security. Cleanse my eyes to see the work You have done and have yet to do in my life as special and a blessing. I come to you with a humble spirit and a heartfelt plea of "please fix me..." May the desires of my heart beat with your commands and my mind be filled with visions and images of Your will and plans for me...Here am I...use me Lord, send me. Stretch me beyond all logical reasoning. Demolish my comfort zone and take captive each of my thoughts. May my mind be like Christ's. Teach me to exhibit kindness and goodness. My spirit is willing but my flesh is weak...You are good Lord!
Friday, July 14, 2006
my little miracle & much blessings
7/13/06:
a phone call
an icecream
a walking visit
a ride
a laptop
curious??? just ask me and I'd love to share how the Lord loved on me today!
7/14/06:
my wisdom teeth vanished...God is so great!
again...I'd love to testify of the healing power of our great God, Jesus Christ!
He is good...all the time.
a phone call
an icecream
a walking visit
a ride
a laptop
curious??? just ask me and I'd love to share how the Lord loved on me today!
7/14/06:
my wisdom teeth vanished...God is so great!
again...I'd love to testify of the healing power of our great God, Jesus Christ!
He is good...all the time.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
revelation
Simply said: I am nobody...I'm pretty much invisible.
"Let me be invisible, LORD; Let me love the things that no one sees. Let me be more invisible in you that I may love others more visibly. Let my work stand as a great monument, to an even greater God."
-Nicole Johnson in Keeping a Princess Heart in a Not so Fairy Tale World
Perhaps the most humbling revelation I've had in a long time about self, brought me to a place of realizing that no matter how many people forget my name or who I am, talk to me only because they think I'm someone I'm not...there's only one person who will never forget my name. This person is so grand and their love so unending that not a moment passes by without them thinking about me. Some reading this may be thinking " boys, she's pretty full of herself..." but I promise you I am not. This person is Jesus. He knows my name. He hears my voice. He knows my heart and holds me in the palm of His hands...He knows my name because He whispers it every day...every morning as I wake my Heavenly Father declares His affections for me. He knit me in my mother's womb, and smiles on my face everyday. He walks with me and talks with me, He sings through me and knows every hair on my head. I am forever His...
To some I am coach Christy, a friend, a lover, a daughter, a sister, a leader, a teacher, an encourager, a counselor, a worshiper, a runner, a kindred spirit, a mentoree or even a young adult......but all of these things can pass away in an instant. Forever will I be a princess in the King of Heaven's eyes. His beloved, His daughter. I'm okay with being invisble...and if it means that I am more aware of my Jesus' loving on me, I am thrilled. Be blessed dear ones!
"Let me be invisible, LORD; Let me love the things that no one sees. Let me be more invisible in you that I may love others more visibly. Let my work stand as a great monument, to an even greater God."
-Nicole Johnson in Keeping a Princess Heart in a Not so Fairy Tale World
Perhaps the most humbling revelation I've had in a long time about self, brought me to a place of realizing that no matter how many people forget my name or who I am, talk to me only because they think I'm someone I'm not...there's only one person who will never forget my name. This person is so grand and their love so unending that not a moment passes by without them thinking about me. Some reading this may be thinking " boys, she's pretty full of herself..." but I promise you I am not. This person is Jesus. He knows my name. He hears my voice. He knows my heart and holds me in the palm of His hands...He knows my name because He whispers it every day...every morning as I wake my Heavenly Father declares His affections for me. He knit me in my mother's womb, and smiles on my face everyday. He walks with me and talks with me, He sings through me and knows every hair on my head. I am forever His...
To some I am coach Christy, a friend, a lover, a daughter, a sister, a leader, a teacher, an encourager, a counselor, a worshiper, a runner, a kindred spirit, a mentoree or even a young adult......but all of these things can pass away in an instant. Forever will I be a princess in the King of Heaven's eyes. His beloved, His daughter. I'm okay with being invisble...and if it means that I am more aware of my Jesus' loving on me, I am thrilled. Be blessed dear ones!
Thursday, July 06, 2006
tiny dancers
I think everyone needs to play dress up once in awhile...put on your dancin' shoes, laugh and be silly.Smile...the joy of the Lord spills from you when you smile!
Giggle!
Spin!
Twirl!
Feel pretty, oh so pretty!
You're beautiful friend!
"Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world." -Isaiah 12:5
Monday, July 03, 2006
Camping at Katahdin
My family went camping at Baxter State Park this past weekend in Millinocket, ME. We went hiking, got stuck in a thunderstorm, ate lots of yummy food, kayaked and laughed. God's mysterious creations are incredible. We also met and gave a lift to three hikers who had just finished their long journey of the Appalanchain Trail. I kid you not folks. These three brave souls have been hiking across the entire Appalanchain Trail for the past 4 months. All were from diverse places, met along the way, separated, and managed to finish together. It was incredible to speak with them and hear their stories. One was a student, one a college grad and another a grandfather, anxiously awaiting the reunion with his wife and grandkids. They may or may not have been pulling our legs about this accomplishment....because we've only ever read of such things in books...but they were certainly smelly enough to be dubbed with the accomplishment, loaded with enough gear, and for the two guys, unshaven enough...so we believed them...they were most likely telling the truth. It was a very neat experience.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
new friends - new beginnings - new experiences
Derek, Ben,Christy, Annie & Sarah racing down Prez's Hill.
Group shot, hiking the Bluffs.
Mr. Frog...we found him on our journey down the bluffs and Derek was nice enough to pick him up for a photo-op.
Sarah, Ben, Derek...and far away is Devern.
Mr. Thoughtful...Devern. (He posed like this by the way.)
Sarah from Guatemala....got spun around and flew down the hill.
Derek stood up for about .06 seconds after this photo was taken and then he was toast.
Me about to fly onto the grass...LOOK OUT!!!!!!
Ben, finally giving into peer-pressure and deciding it was okay to get wet.
Getting creative and going as a group of 5...Derek,Sarah,Annie, Christy & Ben.We all made it to the bottom.
So, being on campus again was fantastic. It was a joy to get to know about 10 of my future classmates. When we all arrived, we were all pretty shy and doing our own thing, but after lunch on day 1 we all bonded and had some crazy fun together. I talked with Tanya and had a blast and also met her husband Jonathan who is very nice as well. We played softball vs. the staff...and I had to pitch, which was fun, but somehow we managed to tie the staff and apparently that's never happened before...the staff always wins..oh yes and the game was called because it started to rain. I met Rev. Starks who also coaches women's softball and I'm going to play for him in September. (I'm very excited for this!)
After softball we went back to BBC and went slip-n-slidin'. Ate a BBQ lunch. Went to Chapel. Played Capture the Flag. Testimony time. Roasted hot dogs n' smores down by the river and fellowshiped.
On morning two we ate a hearty breakfast...mom and I trekked to Tim's...met with Rev. Lee. It's going to be an absolute joy to work with him over the next few years. Then we packed picnic lunches and headed to the Bluffs.
Praise the Lord for new friends.
Adventures.
Fun.
Fellowship.
His grace, mercy & love, new each day.
For leading me into uncharted, unknown territory and telling me He's got plans, so trust Him.
I can't wait for September.
For leading me into uncharted, unknown territory and telling me He's got plans, so trust Him.
I can't wait for September.
What a privilege it will be to attend BBC beside the man I love, in the company of loving fellow Christians!
Sunday, June 25, 2006
beauty from the inside---out
" God designed you with tenderness and forethought. He uniquely fashioned you to bear His image and no one elses's --- your individual beauty can never be duplicated. Like the most complex, exquisite snowflake sparkeling across the winter sky, you are unlike any other creature who has ever lived or ever will live."
-T.D. Jakes
-T.D. Jakes
Oftentimes my heart sings with the love of Christ, proclaiming boldly the beauty I know I hold deep within myself...I am a woman of Christ...a fierce warrior...a leader...a mere vessel. Manytimes however, my eyes get shadowed by the world's standards, my ears are plastered with the waxy lies that I'm not quite good enough. My jeans are supposedly not the "right" size, but they seem to fit me just fine. My smile is far from perfect, but I count it a blessing to have all my teeth and zero history of dental work on them. No matter where I look..when I have on worldly shades, all I can see are people prettier, more successful and healthier than I am...I'm sure we've all been there a time or two.
Right now though, I dare you to step out, throw those glasses on the ground and STOMP on them. Grab a q-tip ladies, it's time to clean out the waxy lies about your supposed lack of beauty.
I'm may not be the prettiest girl on the block, but my family would probably beg to differ.
All the boys don't chase after me,(Thank you Lord) but I have a man, (the man for me), who loves me and tells me how beautiful I am in his eyes all the time. (Praise the Lord for His goodness!)
I don't wear size 3 jeans, but if I could sew 3-4 pairs together, they might fit.
I'm not the model woman displayed in America, but I am a daughter of the King.
I am His beloved.
I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
I am unique. Special even.
God fashioned me with forethought.
He intriquetly fashioned every finger and toe, muscle and organ.
He knows every hair on my head.
There's no one else quite like me around.
Likewise, there's no one else quite like YOU my friends.
I am free.
I know my heart is full of love.
Every deep desire and hearts cry, He hears.
Jesus is in there...He has created me to be Christy.
Therefore:
I really am BEAUTIFUL...
and so are YOU!
Friday, June 23, 2006
swing, swing, swing
Naps are wonderful.
Quiet time is a blessing.
Swinging is uplifting, adventurous and innocently sweet.
Sing! Laugh! Run barefoot in the summer grass!
Wear a sundress and go spinning in the tall grass of a flowery field.
Giggle! Chuckle! Squeal with delight!
Go swinging with your Daddy...let Him breathe on your his delightful promises.
Feel the wind pass by your face.
Feel your chin raise towards the brilliant sun.
Smile.
May your feet be loosed to dance.
Your tongue to sing.
Go swinging and be free. . .forget about worries, schedules and disappointments.
Watch the sunset.
Reflect on the good Word.
Just be.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
a special gift
Sitting here, I'm trying not to cry...
All I can simply say is: Praise the LORD for a brother in Christ who cares enough to answer the longing of his best friend and seek out his sister in Christ to extend words of love and encouragement...words of hope and that extra push to keep going..to keep standing on my solid rock....to remain confident in my Jesus...words of peace and rest...making my heart smile and dance with great JOY! Words can't explain how the Lord blessed me tonight with a gift...He is so good and He hears us when we call! He heard my hearts cry and answered with a gift only He could provide, something that never crossed my mind or even seemed like a possibility to me...but there it was, prepared just for me. Tears of joy running down my face don't do this justice. He is all powerful! He is GOOD!
All I can simply say is: Praise the LORD for a brother in Christ who cares enough to answer the longing of his best friend and seek out his sister in Christ to extend words of love and encouragement...words of hope and that extra push to keep going..to keep standing on my solid rock....to remain confident in my Jesus...words of peace and rest...making my heart smile and dance with great JOY! Words can't explain how the Lord blessed me tonight with a gift...He is so good and He hears us when we call! He heard my hearts cry and answered with a gift only He could provide, something that never crossed my mind or even seemed like a possibility to me...but there it was, prepared just for me. Tears of joy running down my face don't do this justice. He is all powerful! He is GOOD!
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
a tribute to life
Sometimes in life we grow up too fast and forget about being a child at heart.
Author Max Lucado wrote,
"Couldn’t we learn to be children again? Bring out the marbles -(so what if the shoe gets scuffed?). Bring out the bat and glove - (so what if the muscles ache?). Bring out the taffy - (so what if it sticks to your teeth?).
Be a child again. Flirt. Giggle. Dip your cookie in your milk. Take a nap. Say you’re sorry if you hurt someone. Chase a butterfly. Be a child again.
Loosen up. Don’t you have some people to hug, rocks to skip, or lips to kiss? Someone needs to laugh at Bugs Bunny; might as well be you. Someday you’re going to learn to paint, might as well be now. Someday you’re going to retire, why not today?
Not retire from your job, just retire from your attitude. Honestly, has complaining ever made the day better? Has grumbling ever paid the bills? Has worrying about tomorrow ever paid the bills? Has worrying about tomorrow ever changed it?
Let someone else run the world for awhile.
Jesus took time for a party...shouldn’t we?"
Honoring a man dear to my heart and the hearts of many others, Murle Masters as we celebrated his life today and his childlike spirit and passion for people. Christ lived in him. I bet he'd jump at the chance to chase a butterfly and I'm sure at the men's prayer summit he and chris skipped rocks a time or two, he probably delighted in the chance to kiss his beloved wife and realized that worrying never changes tomorrow. He probably always dunked his cookies in milk...
The lessons and encouragement I've recieved from Murle over the past few years will last a lifetime and I praise the Lord for the opportunity to have such a beloved couple in my life, both Murle and Carla. God is faithful! I am filled with a joyous laughter remembering all the times behind the sound booth and with appreciation for all how Murle always pointed Chris and I towards Christ.
Take a walk with a dear friend today.
Soak up the sunshine.
Share Jesus with a stranger.
Hug your siblings.
Tell the person you care deeply about, you love them.
Seek opportunities for fellowship.
Skip down the sidewalk.
Jump in a mud puddle.
Dance like a little girl in a flowery field!
Be free beloved, be free!
Author Max Lucado wrote,
"Couldn’t we learn to be children again? Bring out the marbles -(so what if the shoe gets scuffed?). Bring out the bat and glove - (so what if the muscles ache?). Bring out the taffy - (so what if it sticks to your teeth?).
Be a child again. Flirt. Giggle. Dip your cookie in your milk. Take a nap. Say you’re sorry if you hurt someone. Chase a butterfly. Be a child again.
Loosen up. Don’t you have some people to hug, rocks to skip, or lips to kiss? Someone needs to laugh at Bugs Bunny; might as well be you. Someday you’re going to learn to paint, might as well be now. Someday you’re going to retire, why not today?
Not retire from your job, just retire from your attitude. Honestly, has complaining ever made the day better? Has grumbling ever paid the bills? Has worrying about tomorrow ever paid the bills? Has worrying about tomorrow ever changed it?
Let someone else run the world for awhile.
Jesus took time for a party...shouldn’t we?"
Honoring a man dear to my heart and the hearts of many others, Murle Masters as we celebrated his life today and his childlike spirit and passion for people. Christ lived in him. I bet he'd jump at the chance to chase a butterfly and I'm sure at the men's prayer summit he and chris skipped rocks a time or two, he probably delighted in the chance to kiss his beloved wife and realized that worrying never changes tomorrow. He probably always dunked his cookies in milk...
The lessons and encouragement I've recieved from Murle over the past few years will last a lifetime and I praise the Lord for the opportunity to have such a beloved couple in my life, both Murle and Carla. God is faithful! I am filled with a joyous laughter remembering all the times behind the sound booth and with appreciation for all how Murle always pointed Chris and I towards Christ.
Take a walk with a dear friend today.
Soak up the sunshine.
Share Jesus with a stranger.
Hug your siblings.
Tell the person you care deeply about, you love them.
Seek opportunities for fellowship.
Skip down the sidewalk.
Jump in a mud puddle.
Dance like a little girl in a flowery field!
Be free beloved, be free!
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
listening
I really enjoy how the Bible is a mystery, full of giant surprises. It amazes me how sometimes we dwell on a promise or phrase and never dig deeper. We become satisfied in the wording of the first part of a verse and allow it to speak volumes to our heart, never wondering if the Lord has even more in store for us a few words later. I myself am guilty of this...sometimes it's easy when you get the "feel goods" to dwell in the moment and be content. Eh, I want more...much much more! I want to chase after Christ with an aching hunger and the only way I can do that is by consuming his word and digging deeper, to draw even closer to his nature.
"a peace that surpasses all understanding..." has been dancing through my mind for a week now, and hearing those familiar, safe, encouraging words of promise made my heart smile. Last night it hit me and before I knew it I was reading Philippians 4:7 with my mouth agape. Where in the world did the second part of that verse come from. I've never heard it spoken before. I didn't even know it existed.
"Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
I sat on my floor and heard myself say out loud "So Lord, this means..." and before I could even finish my thought, I stopped and he said " Yes." I continued "so..." and again "Yes."
How amazing is it that when we invest our time in the word, he'll bring us deeper, revealing his goodness to us and answering us when we call unto him? A voice of clarity and truth boomed in my heart's deepest chambers and I am beginning to understand my purpose for being in Caribou, ME this summer while I'd really enjoy being some place else.(feel free to guess where) God is good and his promises are far more than we deserve.
My dear friends
" May the Lord bless you and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace." -Num. 6:24-26
"a peace that surpasses all understanding..." has been dancing through my mind for a week now, and hearing those familiar, safe, encouraging words of promise made my heart smile. Last night it hit me and before I knew it I was reading Philippians 4:7 with my mouth agape. Where in the world did the second part of that verse come from. I've never heard it spoken before. I didn't even know it existed.
"Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
I sat on my floor and heard myself say out loud "So Lord, this means..." and before I could even finish my thought, I stopped and he said " Yes." I continued "so..." and again "Yes."
How amazing is it that when we invest our time in the word, he'll bring us deeper, revealing his goodness to us and answering us when we call unto him? A voice of clarity and truth boomed in my heart's deepest chambers and I am beginning to understand my purpose for being in Caribou, ME this summer while I'd really enjoy being some place else.(feel free to guess where) God is good and his promises are far more than we deserve.
My dear friends
" May the Lord bless you and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace." -Num. 6:24-26
Monday, June 12, 2006
Lovely Ladies havin' fun
So, Graduation was interesting and my family celebrated after the ceremony...here are some pictures of the lovely ladies who celebrated with me! God has blessed me with the greatest family and sisters in Christ!
Auntie Debbie (such a goofball, but I love her!)Are ya feelin' the tree?
The 4 (Ramos) sisters: Debbie, Annie, Mom & Missy
Annie is feelin' the tree...
Richelle...just bein' cute!
Mom's feelin' the tree too...
Mes soeurs: Sherri et Lor
Gracie-Loo...about to go pooh...
Kristina, at my graduation!
Ma soeur: beautiful Nicole
Ma soeur aussi: (Curious? Seductive?Pensive?) Rachelle(not sure what face that is...just be creative, go adjective crazy!)
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